Family tribute to Calderhead High School Kiera Beagle

The family of a "lovely" teenage girl who died after falling ill during a PE lesson have praised school staff for "giving her a fighting chance".

Kiera Beagle, 14, died in hospital after being airlifted from Calderhead High School, in Shotts, on Thursday.

Her grandmother, Elaine Black, has thanked school staff and emergency services who came to her aid.

Flowers have been placed outside the North Lanarkshire school. A fundraising page has also raised more than £1,700.

In a statement, Ms Black said: "Our family would like to pass on our thanks to everyone at the school, especially to the staff who gave our lovely Kiera a fighting chance.

"We would also like to thank the police, ambulance and hospital staff for their professionalism and kind support.

"Our thoughts are with Kiera's many friends. We know how sad they will be at this devastating news."

Emergency services were called to the school at about 14:30 after Kiera fell ill during a PE lesson.

The 14-year-old was airlifted to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow where she died.

Calderhead High headteacher John Robertson said: "Everyone within our school community is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of one of our pupils, Kiera Beagle.

"At this time all our thoughts and sympathy go out to her family and friends.

"Kiera will be remembered very fondly by pupils and staff. She made a highly positive contribution to the school and was doing well in all her subjects. Kiera especially liked writing and illustrating books."

Mr Robertson added: "She was a popular and valued member of our school community, especially among her group of close friends.

"We will provide our young people at Calderhead with our full support to help them this most difficult time."

The school has opened a book of condolences.

A fundraising page set up by local DJ James Allan has raised more than £1,700, which he said would go to "help her family in any way it can".

North Lanarkshire Council Provost, Councillor Jim Robertson, who lives in Shotts, said: "This is a tragic event which will be felt across the entire community of Shotts.

"I'd like to pay tribute to all the staff at Calderhead High School whose professionalism has shone through during this difficult time. Many of them turned up to school today, despite it being a holiday, to offer pupils their care and support.

"My thoughts are with Kiera's friends and family."

Police Scotland are treating the death as unexplained and said that a post-mortem examination would be carried out in due course to establish the exact cause of death.